Fluoride Free Toothpaste might sound like toothpaste from the Stone Age, but it’s actually very much up-to-date! With no fluoride, this toothpaste ensures you won’t have to worry about any potentially harmful side effects that come with using fluoridated dental products. Instead, it utilizes natural, plant-based ingredients to keep your smile looking and feeling its best. Plus, it tastes great! So ditch those questionable chemicals and give Fluoride Free Toothpaste a try today for an all-natural way to take care of your teeth. You just might find yourself smiling brighter than ever before!
Is fluoride-free toothpaste good?
As a child, one of the things I hated was cleaning my teeth. If fact, even now my family love to tease me about my oral hygiene and remind me how slack I was when I was younger. The thing is, at the moment I am having the last laugh with a completely cavity-free set of teeth. I admit that it must be mostly luck as it’s true that I was pretty slack with tooth brushing in the past, and even now it’s something that I have to consciously remind myself to do each day.
One of the only things I can really connect my good fortune in the oral health department with, is the fluoridated water we have here in Adelaide. My family have always used tap water in favour of bottled water, and even though we sometimes mixed it with cordial growing up, we still drank from the tap a lot.
I am not going to lie, I am the worst when it comes to going to the dentist, which means that looking after my teeth at home is crucial to maintain my current record with cavities. So when I was sent some natural, fluoride-free toothpastes from Weleda and Lush, I was interested to learn why some people opt for fluoride-free toothpaste and whether it could be detrimental to the health of my teeth and gums.
The Fluoride Free Argument
I had never thought about going fluoride free so I was surprised to learn that it was even a choice you could make. I was very curious to know why someone might opt for a fluoride free toothpaste. When I was discussing my findings with my sister, she confessed that she uses a fluoride free toothpaste, not for health reasons, but because it is important to her to use cruelty-free brands, and she is yet to find a cruelty-free fluoride toothpaste.
Even though fluoride inhibits bacteria’s ability to produce acids that weaken teeth, and remineralizes areas where acid damage has already occurred, it’s still a toxin. Overdosing on fluoride can actually cause a type of tooth decay called dental fluorosis, and some studies have noted possible links to osteoporosis, thyroid problems, endocrine problems and cancers. Back in the 50s fluoride was actually used to treat hyperthyroidism, because it is thought to bring the function of the thyroid down. A high enough dose of fluoride, ie ingesting half a tube of toothpaste, could even prove fatal for a young child. Probably the most compelling piece of evidence against the use of fluoride is that instances of tooth decay seem to be dropping at a steady rate, whether or not the area has fluoridated water or not. in 2001 a study conducted by the US Centre for Disease Control stated that increased amounts of fluoride in tooth enamel did not equate to lower rates of cavities.
With fluoride being added to drinking water in many countries around the world, people who have concerns about the health risks of ingesting fluoride may have a hard time avoiding it. People who wish to limit or eliminate their intake of fluoride argue that adding fluoride to drinking water is ‘mass medication.’ Fluoride is not an essential mineral to the body, it’s not added to any multivitamins for example, so aside from its effects on plaque and tooth enamel, it doesn’t have any other benefits. If you want to limit your intake of fluoride in a country with fluoridated water, you would have to use bottled water for all of your drinking, cooking and teeth cleaning. Carbon filters such as Pura Tap and Brita,do not remove fluoride.
Using a fluoride free toothpaste is another measure to limit the intake of fluoride. Fluoride free toothpastes are often free of sodium laureth sulfate as well, which is a detergent and foaming agent known to cause skin irritation and often avoided by people who prefer plant based skincare. Instead these toothpastes use gentle abrasives like salt and bi-carb soda, xylitol and sorbitol which neutralises acid in the mouth and helps to stop bacteria from sticking to teeth, and essential oils (peppermint, spearmint etc) for freshening the breath.
The Argument For Fluoride
There is little doubt that most dentists and oral heath care professionals recommend fluoride as a way to maintain healthy teeth. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral and is actually present in water already, the amount is artificially raised in some countries to optimum levels for protecting tooth enamel. When children eat or drink fluoride in small doses, it enters the bloodstream and becomes part of their developing permanent teeth. Fluoride toothpastes and treatments strengthen teeth from the outside and speed up remineralization. Also, most importantly, acids are less able to damage tooth enamel strengthened by fluoride.
Back in medieval times, when sugar was not widely available, cavities in teeth were rarely seen. In fact, skulls that have been found by archaeologists from that time, where most people ate an entirely grain based diet, often have a full set of healthy teeth. The introduction of sugar had a negative impact on oral health and the discovery of the effects of fluoride on teeth, have made a huge difference worldwide. Fluoride is particularly effective as a preventative to acid attacks and has shown to be beneficial to the forming adult teeth in children.
Over the last few years there has been research into the effects of fluoride being added to water and some speculation as to how effective it actually is in preventing cavities, however there seems to be little doubt that fluoride does have a positive impact when supporting forming teeth in children and when used in toothpaste and fluoride treatments. Anecdotal evidence suggests that children who drink bottled water in favour of tap water, or who use natural toothpastes, have more cavities than children who ingest and apply fluoride topically. Dentists and dental therapists are the ones who see the effects of fluoride every day, and they are certainly still recommending its use.
Although tooth decay seems to be on the decline, even in areas where the water does not have added fluoride, it has been proven that overall oral hygiene is better in areas where natural water fluoridation is higher.
Weleda Natural Toothpaste
When I first tried the Weleda Salt Toothpaste, I thought I hadn’t used enough. It doesn’t contain any SLS so there is no foam, and I’ll be honest, it feels weird. I read a review that suggested you should put it onto a dry toothbrush so I tried that as well. The Salt Toothpaste is minty and salty, and is a brown colour, which is rather shocking at first. It kind of liquifies in your mouth and if you use too much, as I did at first, it does tend to try and escape (gross, I know). The toothpaste is quite gritty and at first I noticed that it really hurt my gums, especially where my two top teeth meet in the middle. However, it didn’t take long to get used to the sensation and for my gums to feel less sensitive. The abrasives in this make your teeth feel so clean and your breath is left fresh. I don’t notice much difference with a wet or dry toothbrush, but the liquid nature does lend itself to being used in the shower, so if it runs down your chin, you’re not making a mess.
The Calendula Toothpaste doesn’t foam either but it has a thicker texture so it feels a little more cushioning on the gums. It’s less abrasive than the Salt Toothpaste but still leaves your teeth feeling squeaky clean. The strangest thing about the Calendula Toothpaste is that it doesn’t contain peppermint. It took a little while to grow on me, but I really enjoy the aniseed taste it has, and because it’s quite strong, it definitely freshens your breath and gives your mouth an overall clean feeling. The best part is that you can drink right after and not be assaulted with that awful mint/sweet combo. Being peppermint free is also good for those people who might be taking homeopathic remedies and need to avoid mint.
Lush Tooth Powder and Toothy Tabs
Lush tooth products are the opposite of the Weleda in terms of foam, they foam so much! They use bi-carb soda as an abrasive which gives your teeth that lovely smooth feeling. I have to admit that I am not a fan of the Toothy Tabs as I just find them too difficult to break down. Perhaps that is user error, but the Tooth Powder eliminates the problem of having chunks floating around your mouth, so I naturally gravitate towards them for the ease of use.
To use the Dirty Toothy Tabs, you just nibble the tablet between your teeth and then use a wet toothbrush to scrub your teeth. The minty, herby flavor is very strong and freshens breath well. I find that half a tab is all I need and when I use a whole one, the foam runs down my chin. Unfortunately, these need to be kept away from water, so they are ideal for travelling (no leakage) but they are no good to be kept in the shower. These might be handy for keeping in your handbag with a small toothbrush, or in your office drawer.
Tooth Power is used by dipping your wet toothbrush into the power and then brushing. These have a perfect amount of foam for my taste, it’s cushioning on the gums but doesn’t burst out of your mouth. The flavours are fun too! Tooth Fairy has a mild strawberry flavour, which is something a bit different, although it doesn’t leave you with that typical minty fresh breath feeling. But, it’s perfect for eating and drinking right after, especially if you clean your teeth and then eat breakfast. Ultrablast is mint and wasabi, which concerned me, but it’s a very pleasant cooling sensation in your mouth. Again, these need to be protected from coming into contact with water and I was worried about the powder clumping up after having the wet toothbrush dipped in, but no problems so far. I have brought the Ultrablast to work with me, and (for the first time ever) I look forward to brushing my teeth when I feel like a bit of a freshen up.
Fluoride Toothpaste VS. Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
The benefits of fluoride-free toothpaste are many and varied. Some people believe that the negative health effects outweigh the positive, while others claim that their oral health is better than ever without it. This post will discuss both sides of the argument to help you make an educated decision about whether or not you should use fluoride-free toothpaste in your home.
In the United States, fluoride toothpaste is a common commodity. In 1937, during an epidemic of brown teeth in Colorado Springs-a result of poor dental hygiene and naturally high levels of fluorine in the water supply-local dentists discovered that brushing with it helped prevent cavities caused by decay due to bacteria. Since then, evidence has shown that this type of toothpaste helps fight plaque buildup while strengthening enamel at the same time.
So what are some benefits? Fluoride toothpaste can help strengthen your teeth’s enamel against erosion; reduce or eliminate bad breath; decrease sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks; provide relief from dry mouth symptoms such as sore throat, headache and hoarseness; protect you against cavities and dental carries; reduce the risk of tooth decay in adults, children, teens and seniors.
Toothpaste without fluoride is available at most grocery or drug stores across America-but how does it work? Some say that this type offers a better clean than “traditional” toothpastes because they use natural ingredients like charcoal powder or baking soda instead of chemicals to create a slurry on your teeth. Others claim that since there’s no fluoride added, you can feel more comfortable brushing after eating acidic foods such as orange juice. And just like regular paste, toothpaste without fluoride also helps fight plaque buildup while strengthening enamel at the same time (although some brands might not include certain additives). So what are some cons? Those who are fluoride-free claim that the negative health effects of using it outweigh the positives.
A common argument against this type is how easy it can be to overdose on toothpaste since there’s no warning label informing you when too much has been used (in contrast, regular paste always includes a warning). It also doesn’t help fight cavities or plaque build-up as well because these are what make your teeth stronger and healthier in the first place. And finally, those who say their oral health is better than ever without fluoride use point out that brushing with just water helps keep your mouth clean while naturally killing bacteria along the way; plus they don’t have to worry about any dangerous side effects like dental fluorosis-a condition which affects teeth enamel due to overexposure to fluoride.
Fluoride-free toothpaste for kids
Many parents worry about the risks of using fluoride-free toothpaste for their kids since they’re more vulnerable to infection and have a low immune system. While this is true, brushing with just water can help kill harmful bacteria while refreshing your mouth at the same time; plus it’s easy on little ones’ sensitive mouths which are still developing.
Some say that there aren’t any benefits to using fluoridated toothpaste-that it doesn’t offer healthier teeth or fresher breath like many believe-but evidence proves otherwise: its use has been linked to decreases in cavities and dental carries caused by decay due to plaque buildup as well as an increase in bone mineral density (which helps prevent osteoporosis). And again, some people claim that their teeth are in better shape without this type of paste because it’s not poisonous and they don’t have to worry about the negatives that come with using it.
So what should you do? If your dentist recommends fluoride toothpaste, then go ahead and use it and if he or she doesn’t mention anything either way, there’s really nothing wrong with giving both types a try for yourself. That said, be sure to brush twice daily (morning and evening) as well as floss every day so you can keep your mouth clean at all times!
Fluoride-free toothpaste for sensitive teeth
Many people with sensitive teeth find that brushing their teeth with fluoride-free toothpaste relieves the sensitivity they experience when eating foods like ice cream, apples or even watermelon. And since this type is made without chemicals and just natural ingredients (like charcoal powder), some believe it’s gentler on your mouth as well-avoiding any irritation you might otherwise feel from regular paste. But although this may be true for many brands, there are also those who say that not using fluoridated toothpaste can lead to a buildup of plaque in hard to reach areas; which then creates bacteria and acidity over time because of how close these substances come into contact with each other. This can put you at risk for cavities if untreated-which means more sensitivity.
So what should you do? Well, if your teeth are sensitive and the regular type of toothpaste irritates them, then there’s no harm in brushing with a fluoride-free brand instead. And just like any other product on the market: read reviews to find out which brands work best for those who have this condition, don’t forget to brush twice daily (morning and evening) and always floss as well!
Fluoride free toothpaste for babies
Parents want their kids to have healthy teeth and happy mouths, but many also worry about the safety of fluoride free toothpaste for babies. And if this is your concern as well-know that it’s still a good idea to use some type of paste on them: brushing may be more important than ever because they’re susceptible to infection (as mentioned before) so better dental care will lead to an improved immune system overall. But what should you do when looking for one? Well, there are plenty out there with natural ingredients that don’t include any chemicals or anything harmful like artificial sweeteners; all while being safe enough for little ones who can’t spit things out right away because of how young they are! Some say these types taste better too .
So what should you do? If your little one is in need of toothpaste and they don’t like the taste or consistency of regular paste, then there’s nothing wrong with trying a fluoride-free variety instead. And remember: brushing twice daily (morning and evening) helps to provide them with healthier teeth and fresher breath so it makes sense to keep this up even if they’re not old enough yet!
Fluoride free toothpaste for adults
A big reason that people switch to fluoride free toothpaste is that they’re looking for healthier teeth; which can be achieved by brushing with a non-fluoridated paste. But what’s the difference, you ask? Well, this type doesn’t contain any chemicals or artificial sweeteners and instead leaves your mouth feeling cleaner (as opposed to just tasting clean). And since it contains natural ingredients like charcoal powder, some claim that it whitens their teeth more than if they were using regular toothpaste as well. So what should you do? If you want better oral health but don’t think the fluorinated kind is right for your sensitive gums/mouth: then try out those without!
Fluoride-free toothpaste for dogs
Many pet owners would love to have their furry friends share in the dental benefits of fluoride-free toothpaste, but it’s not recommended. Why? Well, since this type is made without chemicals and just natural ingredients (like charcoal powder), some believe that it can be gentler on your dog’s mouth as well-avoiding any irritation they might otherwise feel from regular paste. But although this may be true for many brands, there are also those who say that not using fluoridated toothpaste can lead to a buildup of plaque in hard-to-reach areas; which then creates bacteria and acidity over time because of how close these substances come into contact with each other. This can put them at risk for cavities if untreated-which means more sensitivity. So what should you do? Well, if your dog’s teeth are sensitive and regular types of paste irritate them, then there’s no harm in brushing with a fluoride-free brand instead. And just like any other product on the market: read reviews to find out which brands work best for those who have this condition; don’t forget to brush twice daily (morning and evening) and always floss as well!
Fluoride free toothpaste for gum disease
People will switch to fluoride-free toothpaste if they’re looking for healthier teeth; which can be achieved by brushing with this type and not the other. But what’s so different about these, you ask? Well, it doesn’t contain any chemicals or artificial sweeteners-leaving your mouth feeling cleaner (as opposed to just tasting clean). And since it contains natural ingredients like charcoal powder, some claim that it whitens their teeth more than if they were using regular toothpaste as well. So what should you do? If you want better oral health but don’t think the fluorinated kind is right for your sensitive gums/mouth: then try out those without!
The consensus of many dentists agree that while there are benefits to using this type of paste, there are also drawbacks that come with it. For instance: while they can be gentler on your mouth and may give you whiter teeth in the process; some say these types don’t clean as well-leaving behind food particles and other substances (that regular toothpaste would have otherwise removed). So what should you do? If your little one is in need of toothpaste and they dislike the taste or consistency of regular brands then there’s nothing wrong with trying a fluoride free variety instead. And remember: brushing twice daily (morning and evening) helps them achieve better oral health so it makes sense to keep up this habit even if they’re not old enough yet!
Can fluoride-free toothpaste be swallowed?
It is highly advised that you do not swallow this type of paste at all. If swallowed, it can lead to stomach irritation and upset-along with vomiting as well. So what should you do? Be sure only to use fluorine free toothpaste for the time being (until your kids are old enough) so they don’t accidentally ingest any! And remember: brushing twice daily (morning and evening) helps them achieve better oral health so it makes sense to keep up this habit even if they’re not old enough yet!
My Final Thoughts
Wow, this is a hard one. When I first started researching this post, I reached out to my aunt who is a Dental Therapist, and she is firmly on the fluoride side. I trust her advice as she works with children’s teeth every day and sees first hand the effects of including, and not including fluoride via water and oral care products. Plus, how can I explain my cavity-free smile?
But then I saw that the World Health Organisation has reported that millions of people around the world are suffering from side effects of ingesting too much fluoride through high levels in natural water sources. Over 10 million people in China are thought to suffer from skeletal fluorosis. Along with recent studies suggesting that fluoride is not as helpful as originally thought at reducing cavities, it is concerning to me. The US Department of Health and the US Environmental Protection Agency announced in January 2011 that they would like to set the recommended level of fluoride at the lowest end of the optimal range to prevent tooth decay, and to me, that seems like the most reasonable option for artificially fluoridated water.
- Will I start to avoid tap water and fluoride toothpaste? No
- Will I continue to use fluoride-free toothpaste? Yes
- Am I concerned about the effects of using fluoride-free toothpaste? No
I have learned a lot about fluoride and fluoridated water and I am definitely thankful to live in country where the levels of fluoride in drinking water (even if they are manually set) are safe. I no longer have any hesitations about using fluoride free toothpaste and I am enjoying the options from Lush and Weleda.
Alternative ingredients that can be found in fluoride-free toothpaste and their potential benefits and drawbacks
If you’re someone who wants to avoid fluoride for personal reasons or health concerns, there are several alternative ingredients in toothpaste that you can look for. Some of these ingredients include baking soda, xylitol, and essential oils like tea tree and peppermint. While these ingredients can provide benefits, they also have drawbacks to consider.
Baking soda is a popular alternative to fluoride as it can help neutralize acids that contribute to tooth decay. It also has a gentle abrasive effect that can help remove surface stains on teeth. However, excessive use of baking soda can erode tooth enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity and discoloration. It’s important to use products with baking soda in moderation.
Xylitol is a natural sweetener that can help prevent tooth decay by decreasing bacteria in the mouth. It is commonly used in sugar-free gum and candy, and can also be found in fluoride-free toothpaste. While xylitol is generally safe, excessive use can cause digestive issues like bloating and diarrhea.
Essential oils like tea tree and peppermint can provide natural antimicrobial benefits to oral health. Tea tree oil has been shown to help reduce plaque and gingivitis, while peppermint oil has a refreshing flavor and can help freshen breath. However, essential oils can also cause irritation to the mouth and skin if used in high concentrations.
In conclusion, it’s important to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of alternative ingredients in fluoride-free toothpaste before making a decision. While these ingredients can provide some benefits for oral health, they also have potential drawbacks when overused or used improperly. As always, it’s best to consult with a dentist or healthcare professional before making changes to your oral care routine.
Alternative ingredients that can be found in fluoride-free toothpaste and their potential benefits and drawbacks
If you’re someone who wants to avoid fluoride for personal reasons or health concerns, there are several alternative ingredients in toothpaste that you can look for. Some of these ingredients include baking soda, xylitol, and essential oils like tea tree and peppermint. While these ingredients can provide benefits, they also have drawbacks to consider.
Baking soda is a popular alternative to fluoride as it can help neutralize acids that contribute to tooth decay. It also has a gentle abrasive effect that can help remove surface stains on teeth. However, excessive use of baking soda can erode tooth enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity and discoloration. It’s important to use products with baking soda in moderation.
Xylitol is a natural sweetener that can help prevent tooth decay by decreasing bacteria in the mouth. It is commonly used in sugar-free gum and candy, and can also be found in fluoride-free toothpaste. While xylitol is generally safe, excessive use can cause digestive issues like bloating and diarrhea.
Essential oils like tea tree and peppermint can provide natural antimicrobial benefits to oral health. Tea tree oil has been shown to help reduce plaque and gingivitis, while peppermint oil has a refreshing flavor and can help freshen breath. However, essential oils can also cause irritation to the mouth and skin if used in high concentrations.
In conclusion, it’s important to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of alternative ingredients in fluoride-free toothpaste before making a decision. While these ingredients can provide some benefits for oral health, they also have potential drawbacks when overused or used improperly. As always, it’s best to consult with a dentist or healthcare professional before making changes to your oral care routine.
I tried toothpaste without fluoride for 6 months, next checkup did not go as well as they usually had been, my dentist said it is great to avoid the colors , dyes and chemicals, but that fluoride is a must ingredient for healthy teeth, so I won’t use the non-fluoride ones anymore… Just my 2 cents.
The more I read into it, the more I get confused. Is fluoride really bad/good for us? All the dentists I know said yes to fluoride, but what’s with these articles that says fluoride is bad? Who are the ones that’s up to date with the current facts?
Fluoride in the right doses is good for your teeth, but in high quantities not good for both your body (so don’t swallow it) nor your teeth (as it’ll work too well and damage your teeth)